Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-10-07
Centennial r.. union :, sm,,bn,,a-

The family of Elihu Stevens, ESQ. of
omfhf'eid probably the most numerous
family in the State of Maine if not in the
whole country on Tuesday, Sept. 9th held a
grand re union at Smithfeld on the occasion
OF the one hundred anniversary of the birth
of their honored father.
The place selected was the residence of the
SOD Daniel NJ Stevens, one of the mos,
pleasant localities in Somerset county. The
aged sire was present, yes, everywhere pres
enf and appeared hale and hearty. He is of
medium height, stands quite erect, and now
weighs l65 pounds. Although he complains
of his eyesigbt be is able to distinguish quite
small Objects. He recently rode TO Oakland
ana went about lown unprotected and alone
extending AL invititlon to his friends and
relatives TO attend his reunion. Ills MEM
DRY and reason are remarkably good, He
says, Il was born before the Constitution of
the United States WAS adopted aud have lived
under every president from Washiugt1n to
Grover Cleveland. voted for Andrew Jack
son and have never failed to vote for a presi-
dent since -
Five generations of his family are now
living, he had three wives, TN children hy
his first wife, five children by his second
wife and six children by his third wife
fwenty-one children in all twenty of whom
lived to become men and women. His
children, grand children, great grand children
and great great grand children number
3l9. he says that mo person is now
living that / ever played with in my youth,
John Richardson of Belgrade was the last !"
1t is hardly necessary to say that the old
gentleman has led a temperate, sober, and
exemplary life. At the age of twenty-five he
and his first wife professed religion were both
baptized at the same time, and Joined the
Free Will Baptist church, of which he still
remains an honored member
He further Gays that sat one time l owned
three farms, and possessed property to the
amount of 80 900. / have raised in one year
ll6 bushels of wheat, and 100 bushels of
shelled corn, and sometimes I got the pre-
MUM. was about the best man in Dear
porn tney most always got me to sign the
treasurer's bond" The first covered car
riage ever owned in Belgrade he Gays was
owned by Capt. Caleb Page, and that Joseph
Greeley had the next, and that DR.. Hemin-
way owned the first cart-a horse Garland
that the first land ever plowed in Dearborn
Plantation North Belgrade) was on the
Branch farm, sandy knoll on the easterly
side of the road about a mile north of the
Morrill, old homestead. la 1886 he and his
children and grand children cast thirty-three
votes for Governor in Maine, and four votes
in California.
The forenoon was spent in social chat.
The banquet took place at two o'clock in the
afternoon. One hundred or more plates W ere
spread. The tables were furnished in a
sumptuous manner and decked with the fin
est flowers. Speeches were made by Rev. l.
N. Bates and Maj. G. T Stevens of Oakland
The other exercises consisted of the reading
of a select poem, song, prayer and benedic-
ton. w. Robinson, of Oakland, pho
tographer. was present and took several
views. In the evening, the young people.
with their invited guests, held reunion
which lasted until two o'clock the next morn
ing, when the company separated, all having
had a very pleasant and enjoyable occasion,
and one long to be remembered.